Structura Remodeling: ADU Contractor Based in Los Angeles
Structura Remodeling is a licensed contractor based in Los Angeles, offering full-service home renovation with a focus on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs). They work with homeowners looking to add functional living space to their property, whether through detached ADU construction, garage conversions, or interior conversions within an existing home. The company also offers special discounts for veterans and seniors.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) — sometimes referred to as a granny flat, in-law suite, backyard cottage, or casita — is an independent living space located on the same lot as a single-family home. These units can take several forms:
- Detached structures built in the backyard
- Garage conversions
- Interior conversions such as basements or attics
A fully built ADU typically includes a kitchen, living area, and bathroom, along with a separate exterior entrance. ADUs can serve as rental units, guest houses, or housing for extended family members, and are widely regarded as a practical way to increase property value and generate additional income.
Understanding the Difference Between ADUs and Junior ADUs
There are meaningful differences between a standard ADU and a Junior ADU (JADU) in terms of size, construction requirements, and regulations. Structura Remodeling works with both types, helping homeowners understand which option suits their property and goals.
Size: A Junior ADU has a maximum size of 500 square feet, though the physical structure can be expanded by up to 150 square feet to accommodate entryways and passages. Standard ADUs can reach up to 1,200 square feet, and in many municipalities, two-story ADUs are permitted. Junior ADUs, however, are subject to a 16-foot height limit.
Requirements: One key distinction is owner occupancy. Junior ADUs require the property owner to reside either in the JADU or the main home. Standard ADUs do not carry this requirement, though local agencies have waived owner-occupancy rules for ADUs between January 2020 and January 2025. Parking requirements also differ — JADUs generally do not require additional parking, while ADUs may depending on specific local conditions. Standard bathrooms are required in ADUs but not in JADUs.
Construction: Junior ADUs can share plumbing and sanitation systems with the main home, which simplifies construction and reduces costs. They may also include small appliances and a basic kitchen setup. Standard ADUs — sometimes referred to as carriage houses or garage apartments — require full plumbing, a dedicated bathroom, kitchen, and mechanical, gas, and electrical systems. This makes ADU construction a more involved process than simply adding a room to an existing structure.
ADU Costs and Financing in Los Angeles
The cost of building a Junior ADU in Los Angeles typically ranges between $115,000 and $145,000, depending on design choices, materials, and homeowner preferences. Construction involves elements such as insulation, HVAC systems, plumbing, flooring, windows, and interior walls. Converting space within an existing home is generally more cost-effective than building a detached unit or converting a garage.
Los Angeles has specific guidelines for JADUs, including:
- Location: Must be within 150 square feet of the primary home
- Bathroom: Can share sanitation with the main home or have its own
- Entrance: Must have a separate exterior entrance
- Kitchen: Must include a kitchen with drain lines; sink maximum is 16"x16" with a 1.5" drain line
- Parking: Only required when converting a garage
- Occupancy: Owner must reside in the JADU or the main home; both spaces cannot be rented simultaneously
Financing options for ADU projects in Los Angeles include personal savings, home equity lines of credit (HELOC), construction loans, and home renovation loans. A HELOC allows homeowners with existing equity to access funds at typically lower interest rates, making it a common choice for ADU and remodeling projects.
Structura Remodeling handles permitting and planning as part of their service, working with an in-house design team and sourcing materials from trusted vendors. They provide detailed quotes with no hidden costs and offer a free initial consultation. The company also emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials where possible.
